Rickie Fanning went 2.59 seconds in the semifinals, 2.12 in the 10-man showdown round and a fast 1.71 in the 4-man round to win the American Rodeo and roughly $763,000.
Winning $700k in one weekend is not something that happens very often in rodeo in general, but especially in the breakaway. As a contender, Fanning got to split a three-way division of $2 million.
“I was super excited to get $100,000,” said Fanning. “I was like, holy cow, this is life changing. But then there’s even more. This rodeo and this production, what they give us is amazing.”
After coming up as a contender from the East Regional Finals in Lexington, Kentucky, and then battling it out inside of Globe Life Field for two rounds, Fanning—a South Dakota native and 3x NFBR qualifier, came into the 4-man round first out.
“Going in first, I just knew that I needed to just go make a run,” said Fanning. I mean, I didn’t really have any pressure on me. I made it to where I wanted to. I got to the final four. Obviously, my goal was to win it. But just backing in there, I just said I’m going to make my run and I hope it works. And it happened to work.”
Aboard KR Badger Zack, aka “Trump,” that she borrowed from her brother, Jace Engesser, Rickie has a mount fee to pay.
“I don’t really want to talk about that right now, but I’m sure I’m going to have to give him something,” laughed Fanning.
Fanning has been a standout roper through high school and college rodeo—she never thought she’d be roping for this kind of money.
“Being at that age, we never thought we had anything further than the high school, college, amateur level,” Fanning said. “And so now where they’re putting us, I mean, it’s just a mind-blowing situation. I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
The cowgirl credits her dad for being her support and guidance in every aspect of life—having this win with him was a huge moment.
“Seeing my dad was pretty emotional,” Fanning said. “He’s been my rock through so many times, so many hard times, so many good times, so many levels of competition from junior high to high school to now. He’s been my main man and getting to see him and conquer this together, that was a big emotional moment.”
The win isn’t changing her summer plans. Fanning is headed up north to rodeo in the Canadian circuit with her sister, Taylor Engesser and Kendal Pierson.
“We’re going to rodeo and then kind of go back and forth, but I’m going to stick to the same game plan I want to do,” she said. “I want to make the Canadian finals and our circuit finals.”
The money doesn’t change this cowgirl’s mentality—she’s going to keep it simple.
“Just enjoy the moment, enjoy the time with them (Taylor and Kendal), enjoy the rodeo and just go and enjoy the summer,” said Fanning.
